In a recent interview, Sanjoy Ghose, a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, discussed the pressing issues surrounding labour laws and the rights of workers in the context of India's evolving economy. He highlighted the exploitation of legal loopholes by private sector employers, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in labour laws to protect workers [a65a8bcc].
The Modi government has enacted new labour codes aimed at replacing outdated laws; however, these codes have yet to be notified, leaving many workers without the protections they need. Ghose pointed out that since the economic reforms of the 1990s, there has been a significant decline in trade unions, which has weakened the representation of workers' interests [a65a8bcc].
As the gig economy has expanded, particularly post-COVID-19, the protections for gig workers remain alarmingly weak. Ghose called for constitutional amendments to ensure better safeguards for private sector workers, criticizing the Indian judiciary for prioritizing commercial matters over labor disputes [a65a8bcc].
Moreover, he advocated for stronger whistleblower protections and the effective implementation of existing laws, noting the abuse of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and the declining standards within the Bar and Bench. Ghose stressed the necessity for judicial independence and transparency in court proceedings to uphold the rights of workers [a65a8bcc].
These insights come at a time when the gig economy is projected to grow significantly, with over 23 million gig workers expected by 2029-30. However, the challenges of discrimination and job insecurity remain critical issues that policymakers must address to ensure fair treatment and access to essential benefits for these workers [48df27b5].